“Help…”
Ana’s hands balled into fists, but she shook them out. “I work with a group seeking information housed within Askaborg’s walls. And you, Your Highness, have access to areas off-limits to a palace thrall.”
Saga’s brows drew together. “Information?”
…oh, they’ll have my head for involving her in this,thought Ana, observing Saga quietly,but it is the only way…
“Yes,” Ana said aloud. “Would this arrangement agree with you?”
“You want me to find this information,” mused Saga. “And in exchange, you’ll intercept Queen Signe’s letters?”
…should I tell her reading the queen’s letters helps us as well?thought Ana.Never mind that she has access to the palace, and that wax sealer stamp…
Ana nodded. “They have stationed me in the falconry tower to investigate the queen. But with such limited access, I’m only able to record addresses from the queen’s correspondence.”
“Addresses?”
Ana nodded. “Mere scraps of what we seek.”
Saga considered Ana silently. “How do I know I can trust you?”
…tell her,thought Ana.Share something to help her trust you…
“Galdra!” Ana said aloud.
Saga blinked.
…oh gods,thought Ana.Should I have said that? What if she hands me over? No, calm yourself. She wouldn’t. She’s a Volsik…
Ana cleared her throat. “That is to say, I’m Galdra,” she said aloud. “I only tell you this, so you might trust me. Should I not come through on my side of the bargain, you can have me put to the pillar.”
…why did you suggest that?Ana thought, panicked.
“I would not dothat,” Saga rushed to say. But the information combined with what her Sense had heard eased Saga’s protective thorns ever so slightly. “There are Galdra left in this kingdom?”
“Of course!” said Ana, then shook her head. “I’m sorry…it makes sense that you wouldn’t know.”
Saga watched Ana carefully, her curiosity getting the best of her. When Saga’s Sense had awakened at age sixteen, she’d known at once she was Galdra. She recalled when her parents had still ruled, there had been a Galdra ritual. But in this castle, under Ivar Ironheart’s rule, Saga had not gone through it. Instead, she’d learned how to build mental barriers and hide her Sense away.
But she’d never met anyone else like her, and a thousand questions jostled in her mind. “What can you do?”
…that’s good, thought Ana.She’s asking questions…
“I am what they called a Harefoot,” said Ana. “It means I can move with great bursts of speed. But I dare not use such a skill in this place.”
Saga chewed the inside of her cheek.I can hear thoughts, was on the tip of her tongue.Do you know others like me?Yet her protective instincts held her back. She could not say this. Not yet. “I would never tell,” she promised instead. “No matter what, your secret is safe with me, Ana.”
…I knew it, thought Ana, her eyes beginning to shine.She’s just as Mother described the Volsiks. Good and honorable…
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” said Ana aloud.
Feeling slightly nauseous at Ana’s use of that title, Saga looked away. Working the scroll out from her sleeve, she considered it.She’d toiled and struggled to obtain this scroll, to buy Eisa a few short weeks. But soon, there would be other plans, other letters, and Saga would need help to intercept them. “I need to know more,” Saga said. “What information do you seek?”
“A name,” replied Ana, cautiously.
“A name,” repeated Saga.
…they’ll be so cross with me for involving Lady Saga in this,thought Ana,but it is the only way…
